“We’re definitely open to any and all types of patients that want to come here, whether they’ve just moved to the area or they’ve transferred their care from another provider.”

– Grace Pearson, PA, EMMC Family Medicine, Orono

EMMC Family Medicine has locations in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden and Orono, and all practices are currently accepting new patients. Click here to hear from our primary care providers and staff members what makes our practices unique!

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A Story About Robert

Last June, Robert Nichols of Waterville was playing a round of golf, just like he had done hundreds of times before. But something was different this time. When he got to the fifth hole, his chest began to hurt, and he just wasn’t feeling well. Robert was having a heart attack.

Read more about the many other life-saving stories that take place every day at EMMC Heart Care.

Why Choose EMMC

EMMC is the specialty referral hospital for the northern two-thirds of Maine, providing leading-edge programs in cancer, surgery, and cardiac care, among many others.

Our passion is providing the best patient care possible with a focus on excellent service, clinical quality, and patient safety. A committed partner to our patients and community, we believe nothing should stand in the way of quality healthcare.

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EMMC Recognized for Outstanding Cancer Care 07/28/2015

Hearing the words “you have cancer” can be life changing, but knowing that an experienced, multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists is available close to home can make all of the difference. Eastern Maine Medical Center recently received national recognition for its comprehensive cancer care services with a 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. EMMC is one of only 75 healthcare facilities in the United States, and the only hospital in the state to earn the recognition this year.

Art Exhibit at EMMC Inspired by Thoreau 07/14/2015

A traveling exhibition of photographs that mark Maine locations visited by Henry David Thoreau is currently on display at EMMC. The show consists of black and white photographs by Bert Lincoln Call taken more than 120 years ago and features quotes from Thoreau’s “The Maine Woods.”

EMHS Hospitals Named Among the Nation’s Most Wired for 2015 07/13/2015

All eight EMHS hospitals are again at the forefront of using information technology to improve health data security and patient engagement. That is according to the results of a 2015 survey published by the American Hospital Association.

EMHS as an integrated health delivery system, and its member hospitals Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and Mercy Hospital in Portland, were recognized with the 2015 Healthcare’s Most Wired award.

EMMC and Nurses Union Reach Tentative Agreement 07/08/2015

Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United have come to a tentative agreement on a three-year contract.

"This agreement is the result of compromises on both sides. It is a responsible contract for the hospital and community and acknowledges our nurses' essential contribution to patient care. The agreement ensures we can remain focused on our greatest priority: providing high quality care to our patients," says Deborah Carey Johnson, EMMC president and CEO.

EMMC's bargaining team will present the tentative agreement to the EMMC board with a recommendation to ratify, and the union bargaining team will make a similar presentation to its members.

EMMC Prepares for Nurses’ Strike 07/02/2015

(Bangor, Maine) – At the beginning of bargaining on July 2, Eastern Maine Medical Center received notice from the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United that its members plan to strike at EMMC’s hospital campus on State Street, the Union Street Healthcare Mall, and the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer on July 13 and 14.

(Bangor, Maine) – Bargaining teams representing EMMC and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United met again today. Although the parties were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract, the current contract was extended through July 2.

EMMC Recognized with Highest Possible Safety Grade 06/16/2015

When it comes to providing safe care, Eastern Maine Medical Center continues to be recognized as a leader by national organizations for its performance. EMMC recently earned its seventh consecutive Hospital Safety Score “A” rating from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization that helps community members make informed decisions about hospital safety.

EMMC and Nurses’ Union Continue to Negotiate 06/10/2015

(Bangor, Maine) – Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United were back at the bargaining table today, but were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. Compensation and staffing ratios remain the major unresolved issues, although the parties have yet to agree on several other topics.

Varicose veins can be unsightly and painful. Thankfully, several treatment options are available to help people who suffer with this medical condition look and feel better. Inland Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center are teaming up to hold a free educational seminar on Wednesday, June 3 in Waterville to share information and answer questions about the treatment and diagnosis of varicose veins.

EMMC To Host First Rheumatology Symposium 05/20/2015

Eastern Maine Medical Center Rheumatology Specialists is holding a rheumatologic diseases symposium for healthcare providers from across the region on May 22 in Bangor. The agenda focuses on polyarthritis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease, and will include a discussion of non-medicinal treatments, such as occupational therapy and behavioral health. The day will conclude with an in depth panel discussion with presenters.

EMMC and United Way Partner on Food Drive for National Nurses Week, National Hospital Week 05/12/2015

Warmer weather with bits of green popping up everywhere signals that spring celebrations are right around the corner. This year, EMMC is celebrating National Nurses Week, May 6-12, and National Hospital Week, May 10-16, with a packed schedule of events, including a food drive being held in coordination with the United Way.

Angel Francini, RN, Honored with Nurse Excellence Award 05/06/2015

Every May, EMMC reflects on the remarkable care our nearly 1,200 nurses provide for our patients every day. As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we take the opportunity to honor one exceptional nurse who goes above and beyond for our patients.

Weekend Events Focus on EMMC NICU 04/30/2015

When newborns come into the world and need immediate and intensive care, it’s a stressful time for families. EMMC staff, caregivers, and families reunite to share stories, memories, laughter, and celebrate children who had a rough start in life every year at the annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion. Families who have been touched by care at EMMC’s NICU are invited to attend this year’s event on May 3 from 2 to 4 pm.

Each year, EMMC’s Medical Staff awards undergraduate scholarships to Maine students who are pursuing an education in healthcare. This year, the Medical Staff expanded the guidelines to recognize individuals engaged in a wider range of studies. Nine scholarships will be granted to support students’ education in nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietetics, medical laboratory sciences, radiography, surgical technology, and medical assistance.

EMMC Celebrates Physicians Giving Back to the Community on Doctors’ Day 03/26/2015

Doctors prevent, diagnose, and treat illness, help bring new life into the world, and treat patients and families with respect and caring in life’s final moments. But the role doctors play in improving health extends beyond hospital walls and into the community, where they use their time and skills to give back. On Monday, March 30, EMMC is recognizing National Doctors’ Day by celebrating its physicians’ role in the community, both in Maine and beyond.

Preventing Baseball and Softball Injuries 03/24/2015

Despite the snow on the ground, spring has officially arrived, and local baseball and softball teams have begun preparing to get out on the diamond. In recognition of National Athletic Training Month, EMMC Sports Health athletic trainers are sharing tips that can help athletes stay injury free through the spring sports season.

Special Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Announced 03/21/2015

Some Mainers who are facing a penalty payment for not having health insurance are being given a final opportunity to secure coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid a large portion of the fine. EMMC enrollment specialists are gearing up to assist anyone who needs help signing up throughout the special enrollment period, which runs from March 15 to April 30.

Pelvic pressure, lower back pain, chronic urinary tract infections, urinary or stool leakage, and difficult bowel movements can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. These symptoms may be caused by pelvic floor disorder, a medical problem affecting more than one-third of women in the United States. Women experiencing these issues can better understand this medical condition as well as the available treatment options by attending a free EMMC community seminar on Tuesday, March 31 beginning at 5:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives 03/12/2015

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of adults age 50 and older have not been screened for colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. During the month of March, Eastern Maine Medical Center is recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by raising awareness about screening and the fact that in many cases, this common type of cancer is preventable.

A Week to Practice Good Sleep 03/05/2015

Most healthy adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, but for the 70 million Americans who have a sleep problem, nighttime is often spent counting sheep instead of getting sleep.

EMMC to Hold Annual Wear Red Day Event 02/23/2015

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills approximately one woman in the United States every minute. In fact, heart disease is the number one cause of death among women in the country. This is a staggering statistic that can change with community education.

EMMC Seminar to Address Men’s Health Concerns 02/17/2015

According to the National Institutes of Health, almost all older men have a weak urine stream or have some trouble with leaking, dribbling, or starting urination. In an effort to provide education about these and other common men’s health issues, EMMC’s men’s health experts are holding a free seminar that is open to the public on Tuesday, March 10 in Bangor.

Storm Closings - Sunday, February 15 02/13/2015

Due to anticipated poor weather conditions, Walk-In Care at the EMMC Healthcare Mall on Union Street will be closed on Sunday, February 15. Walk-In Care will be open from 8 am to 7 pm on Saturday, February 14.

Skiing and ACL Injuries 02/03/2015

Maine is known for its long, cold, snowy winters. For many, tough winter weather means more than shoveling and removing snow from vehicles: it’s an invitation to put on skis and get out on the slopes and into the fields. The key to enjoying the sport is to stay safe and know what to do when an injury occurs. According to EMMC Sports Health experts, ACL knee injuries are particularly common this time of year.

Storm Closings - Monday February 2 02/02/2015

Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls this Winter 01/22/2015

During the winter, EMMC generally sees an uptick in injuries from slips, trips, and falls. In the second half of 2014, EMMC’s Trauma Center saw 188 people admitted from falls, many of whom fell from less than three feet or standing.

On Thursday, January 15, EMMC will offer walk-in employment interviews with no appointment necessary from 1 to 6 pm at its main campus on State Street in the conference room outside of the MRI entrance.

EMMC Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer 01/09/2015

How to Protect You and Your Family from the Flu This Season 01/07/2015

The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention is reporting influenza activity in Maine is widespread with confirmed cases in all counties. However, there are several steps Mainers can take to protect themselves against the flu, including knowing which symptoms indicate a need to contact their primary care provider.

For many, access to some of the most important things that can be done to support good health – including routine check-ups with a healthcare provider and recommended health screenings – starts with health insurance

Advances in Vascular Treatment May Reduce Risk of Amputation 12/17/2014

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience that affects millions of Americans. Now, thanks to a new, minimally invasive approach offered for the first time in Maine at EMMC, there is new hope for patients who may be facing a leg amputation resulting from a severe form of peripheral artery disease, a painful condition caused by blockages in the legs.

EMMC Runs Ebola Preparedness Drill 12/10/2014

This morning, EMMC performed a preparedness drill involving a scenario where an individual showed symptoms of a fever and body aches after a recent trip to Liberia caring for patients with Ebola. During the exercise, this person was referred to EMMC for care. Multidisciplinary teams came together to walk through the steps, including isolating the patient in a designated area and using precautions and processes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for Ebola.

EMMC Auxiliary’s Ninth Annual Beach Ball 12/09/2014

Dance music will once again fill the air at the EMMC Auxiliary’s ninth annual Winter Beach Ball, scheduled for Friday, January 16 at the Cross Insurance Center. The Bob Charest Band will be the featured performer.

College Football Tragedy Highlights Need for Concussion Education, Awareness 12/02/2014

The steps parents, coaches, and athletes take when a concussion is suspected can prevent or significantly reduce the long-term effects of brain trauma. That’s the key thing EMMC Sports Health experts ask the community to keep in mind in light of the tragic loss of a college football player over the weekend who complained of concussion symptoms prior to taking his own life.

Bangor’s Festival of Lights Parade is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. This year, the Maine Discovery Museum and EMMC are adding to the celebration by inviting parade-goers to stop by the museum on December 6 between 3 and 5 pm. Refreshments will be served, and EMMC enrollment specialists will be on hand to answer questions about signing up for insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Finding the Cancer Treatments of Tomorrow 11/26/2014

Advancing scientific discovery for the purpose of creating new cancer treatments. That’s the goal of EMMC Cancer Care’s Translational Research Laboratory, a new, state-of-the-art lab on the third floor of the Lafayette Family Cancer Center where a small team will be playing a big role in helping researchers prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.

EMMC Seminar to Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis 11/13/2014

It is estimated that more than one million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often one of the most disabling types of arthritis. Symptoms may vary, but many people experience swollen, tender joints, or stiffness in their hands and feet.

Three EMHS Hospitals Ranked Top in Safety Nationally 11/11/2014

Three EMHS hospitals have received another “A” in patient safety measures from the Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization that awards top ranks to hospitals that perform well in quality measures.

Adult and Pediatric Urologist Joins EMMC 11/06/2014

EMMC Urologic Surgery of Maine is pleased to welcome experienced urologist Richard Caesar, MD to its growing team of providers. Dr. Caesar, who cares for patients of all ages, has special training in pediatric urology. He fills an important need in the community, as patients and families have previously had to travel long distances to access pediatric urology services.

EMMC Educational Seminar to Focus on Shoulder Pain 10/10/2014

Shoulder pain and stiffness are common, but those who suffer with these symptoms don’t need to live with the discomfort. EMMC’s next educational community seminar scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor will focus on the wide range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to people who are dealing with shoulder problems.

Urologist Gideon Lorber, MD Joins EMMC 10/07/2014

Introducing EMMC Rheumatology Specialists 10/02/2014

Eastern Maine Medical Center introduces a new practice, EMMC Rheumatology Specialists, now open on Level 3 of the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer. Two new providers, Crisostomo Rodrigo Baliog Jr., MD, and Priyanka Jalandhara, MD, are experts in caring for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma, and many other connective tissue disorders.

More than one-third of women in the U.S. are living with pelvic floor disorder, a sometimes painful and embarrassing condition that can cause pelvic pressure, lower back pain, chronic urinary tract infections, urinary or stool leakage, and difficult bowel movements.

Got Drugs? 09/19/2014

Free Seminar to Focus on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Varicose Veins 09/17/2014

Varicose veins are a very common problem in the US, affecting more than half of people age 50 and older. This fall, EMMC is raising awareness about varicose veins and how they are diagnosed and treated at a free educational seminar on Thursday, September 25.

EMMC Vascular Laboratory Receives Highest Accreditation 09/12/2014

Every 39 seconds, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. One of the ways to ensure that people can receive the most accurate information about their heart and blood vessels is by visiting a lab that adheres to the top standards in the industry. Being accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Vascular Testing indicates a “seal of approval” that the facility has been carefully critiqued by medical experts in the field of vascular testing.

Concussions Affect One in Ten High School Athletes 09/08/2014

All concussions are serious, and anytime one is suspected, high school athletes should be kept out of the game until they are cleared by a medical professional. That’s the message EMMC Sports Health medical director Stephen Thompson, MD, Med, FRCSC is asking parents, coaches, and athletes to keep in mind going into the fall sports season.

What if a knee implant could be designed specifically for every individual, taking into consideration each person’s unique anatomy? Ian Dickey, MD, FRCSC, a surgeon at EMMC Orthopedic Surgical Specialists, is the local principal investigator for a clinical trial that’s testing this idea, and EMMC’s patients may benefit most from the project.

Eastern Maine Medical Center Foundation announced a gift of $1 million from a grateful patient to support the Remarkable Begins With You capital campaign at a ceremony on Thursday. The gift was given in honor of EMMC physician Felix Hernandez, MD, MMM, FACS, medical director of Surgical Services and the entire team who provided care to the patient. The gift will name the new Cardiac Surgical and Critical Care Units, which comprise the new fifth floor of the tower currently under construction

EMMC Cancer Care to Repeat Successful Bone Marrow Drive 08/05/2014

One day last fall, Tripp Murray’s mom noticed that her two-year-old was walking a little bit differently. By the next day, his eyes were behaving strangely. Within hours, doctors discovered a brain tumor pushing up against his cranium. Like many cancer survivors, Tripp underwent a lifesaving bone marrow transplant during the course of his treatment. On Saturday, August 16, community members can give hope to children like Tripp by getting swabbed and joining the bone marrow registry at the EMMC Champion the Cure Challenge.

EMMC Introduces Lung Cancer Screening Program 08/04/2014

Each year, 750 to 1,000 Mainers die from lung cancer, exceeding the number of deaths attributed to breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. A national study has shown this number can be reduced with access to lung cancer screening programs. Eastern Maine Medical Center now offers this type of screening available to patients in its region.

Warmer weather has arrived, and children and families are spending more time outside enjoying their favorite summer activities like hiking, gardening, and camping. An increase in outdoor activity can mean greater exposure to the ticks that carry the germ responsible for Lyme disease. In response to a high number of calls and visits from concerned parents, the physicians at EMMC Pediatric Medicine are sharing Lyme disease prevention tips and dispelling common myths about the disease

EMMC to Hold Men’s Health Educational Seminar 07/03/2014

Frequent urination at night, leaking or dribbling, and weak stream can affect men as they age. These problems can begin when men reach their forties, and according to the National Institutes of Health, over half of men in their sixties suffer with these symptoms to some extent. In response to the many questions they receive about this common men’s health issue, EMMC’s men’s health experts are providing information and answers at a free educational seminar on Monday, July 14.

YMCA/EMMC Camp for Children with Cancer Still Accepting Applications 06/23/2014

A few openings remain for Champ Camp, a week-long residential camp for children who have been or are currently being treated for cancer and their families. Champ Camp is scheduled for Sunday, June 29 through Saturday, July 5 at the Bangor YMCA Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan.

EMMC Welcomes Four New Providers 06/06/2014

EMHS Members Recognized at National Level for Excellence in Patient Satisfaction 05/28/2014

Five EMHS members have earned recognition in exceptional performance in 2013 from Avatar Solutions, a national organization that measures and compares hospital safety and patient satisfaction based on patient, employee, and physician surveys. These awards show consistent dedication to providing high-quality patient experiences across the EMHS system.

EMMC Uses iPads to Reduce Sedation Before and After Pediatric Surgery 05/20/2014

Surgery can be very scary for children who are not old enough to understand what is happening or why they are in the hospital. But what if technology could be used to ease a child’s anxiety and reduce or eliminate the need for sedatives before and after surgery? EMMC is exploring the answer to this question through a new program that connects some of the hospital’s youngest surgical patients with iPads during their most anxious moments.

In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, the EMMC Primary Stroke Care Grant 5 team, along with wellness coaches from Beacon Health, attended the Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Expo on Tuesday, May 13.

With winter fully behind us, many people are beginning to get out in the garden, go for a walk or a hike, and spend time outside enjoying the warmer weather. For those who suffer from hip or knee pain, the arrival of spring may be a reminder that they are no longer able to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities. In recognition of the change in season, EMMC is holding a free hip and knee pain seminar on May 22 at the Spectacular Event Center to provide helpful information and answer questions about joint pain.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, suffering a stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, but immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Stroke patients in our region are in good hands at EMMC, as the hospital was recently recognized for excellence in stroke care for the third year in a row.

EMMC to Celebrate National Hospital Week by Cleaning up Chapin Park 05/08/2014

In what has become an annual tradition to celebrate National Hospital Week and kick off summer, EMMC employees are once again coming together to clean up and beautify Bangor’s Chapin Park. This year’s Chapin Park Cleanup Day is scheduled for Friday, May 16 with a rain date of Friday, May 23.

EMMC will provide health screenings and education about stroke prevention and healthcare associated infections at the Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s eighth annual Senior Expo, scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at the Cross Insurance Center.

EMMC Receives Top Rank in Hospital Safety 05/01/2014

Eastern Maine Medical Center has earned exceptional performance in hospital safety as ranked by The Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog that helps patients identify the safest hospitals. EMMC is again honored with an “A” in the latest Hospital Safety Score that rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries, and infections. EMMC is one of only 251 hospitals in the nation to achieve an "A" ranking all five times The Leapfrog Group surveyed.

EMMC Staff Reunites with NICU Families 05/01/2014

What better way is there to celebrate children who had a rough start in life than by reuniting caregivers and families to share memories? Children will be running around, laughing, and playing when EMMC holds its annual NICU Reunion event on Sunday, May 4 from 2-4 pm in Mason Auditorium, located on EMMC’s State Street campus. Graduates of the Hilda C. Rosen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will be back at EMMC to reunite with the staff who cared for them as infants.

EMMC Holds Birth Night for Expectant Parents 04/28/2014

Welcoming a baby is the first of many memorable moments for a growing family. Eastern Maine Medical Center knows all parents want to feel prepared and knowledgeable about programs and services in our community to make this joyous time a little easier.

Lung disease often limits options for people who like to travel, forcing them to avoid flights and high-altitude destinations because of respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. Now, EMMC can help these patients better determine their risk with a high altitude simulation test.

EMMC Expands Congestive Heart Failure Clinic 04/18/2014

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 5 million people in the United States have congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart is weakened or damaged, leading to a buildup of fluid. Annually congestive heart failure is the source of an estimated 1,400 hospitalizations in Maine alone, according to 2009 statistics from Maine CDC.

Last year, Eastern Maine Medical Center connected more than 500 patients with a free interpreter service, breaking down language barriers to ensure that patients and care providers were able to effectively communicate. In healthcare, every minute counts and a new service at EMMC uses technology to connect patients with free interpreter services much quicker. Previously, patients may have had to wait for interpreters to travel to the hospital in person.

EMMC Orthopedic Surgical Specialists lead physician Ian Dickey, MD, FRCSC has been invited to serve as the first chair of the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering’s new external advisory board.

EMMC Responds to Jury Verdict in Haskell Case 04/03/2014

On Friday, March 28, a Hancock County jury came to a decision after a week-long trial of a civil lawsuit filed by the Estate of Thomas Haskell against Eastern Maine Medical Center and two of its heart surgeons. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Dr. Francis DiPierro and Eastern Maine Medical Center, and returned a verdict against Dr. Felix Hernandez in favor of the Estate.

EMMC Welcomes Jonas Gricius, MD 03/28/2014

EMMC Celebrates Physicians on Doctors’ Day 03/27/2014

Doctors are there for patients and families in their greatest times of need, helping people recover from illness, bringing new life into the world, and facilitating end of life care with dignity and respect. On March 31, EMMC encourages the community to join in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, an opportunity to recognize the essential role that physicians play in providing high quality healthcare with compassion.

EMMC Visitors Take a Walk Through History 03/20/2014

Visitors to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s State Street campus can now travel back in time, viewing photos and facts from more than 120 years of caring for patients, families, communities, and one another. In recognition of the rich history that has shaped EMMC from a five-bed general hospital into a comprehensive, tertiary medical center serving the northern two-thirds of Maine, EMMC recently installed a 168 foot historical timeline spanning the hallway leading from the Main Entrance to the Grant building.

Changes in Reimbursement, Other Factors Lead to Financial Shortfall at Eastern Maine Medical Center 03/13/2014

Lower reimbursement from government payors, an increase in free care and bad debt, and lower than expected volume in some service areas are contributing to a significant financial shortfall at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Upcoming Community Seminar Addresses Shoulder Pain 03/12/2014

Shoulder pain is a common medical problem, but according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there is good news for people who suffer with this malady: 90 percent of patients who seek help for shoulder pain find relief with simple treatment methods. The causes, diagnosis, and treatment of shoulder pain are the focus of a free seminar offered by EMMC on Wednesday, March 26.

On Wednesday, EMMC achieved another surgical milestone, becoming the first hospital in Maine to perform a single-site, robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Pamela Gilmore, MD, the doctor who performed the minimally invasive procedure, notes that while robotic-assisted hysterectomy that uses several incisions isn’t new, performing the surgery through a single incision is, and it has several advantages for patients.

EMMC regularly welcomes new healthcare providers to expand the community’s access to needed specialty care services. The newest additions to our team specialize in neurosurgery and spine, obstetrics and gynecology, and cardiology. Please join us in welcoming three new providers to EMMC.

EMMC Goes Red to Raise Awareness of Heart Disease 02/06/2014

It’s well-known that heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States, but what many don’t know is that it’s also the leading cause of death in women. Seventy-eight percent of EMMC’s employees are female, and this month, the hospital is focused on educating staff, as well as the community, on the signs and statistics of heart disease in women.

EMMC to Hold Educational Event on Pelvic Floor Disorders 01/31/2014

Nearly one in three women will experience loss of bladder control, pelvic pressure, lower backache, difficult bowel movements, and other symptoms caused by pelvic floor disorders at some point in their lives. This common problem, the result of weakening pelvic muscles, is the topic of a free educational seminar being held by EMMC on Tuesday, February 11.

This year it is estimated 56% of the world’s population own smartphones. As more and more people use smartphones as a tool in their daily lives EMMC must provide mobile tools to our patients, visitors, and staff on the go. In November 2013, more than 18% of our website visits were from mobile devices, and that number is growing.

Study Shows Shopping Carts Pose Potential Danger 01/27/2014

Bangor, Maine – Shopping with children isn’t always easy, especially with the dangers and worry of potential injury of a child falling from a shopping cart. According to a recent study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, published in the January issue of the Clinical Pediatrics journal, it’s estimated that more than 24,000 children a year are injured badly enough from shopping cart accidents to require a trip to the emergency room. EMMC pediatrician Michael Ross, MD, suggests parents exercise caution when placing children in shopping carts.

EMMC Device Investigation Triggers North American Recall and Award from FDA 01/24/2014

It’s not often that the US Food and Drug Administration calls out a hospital for its contribution to the promotion of patient safety, but it happened recently to Eastern Maine Medical Center and EMMC Risk Management coordinator Cheryl Long, RN, LNCC, CPHRM.

Norm Dinerman, MD, EMMC’s iconic emergency physician responsible for bringing LifeFlight of Maine to our state, was recognized this week for his tireless work to improve pre-hospital care over many years. At its annual meeting January 16-18, the National Association of EMS Physicians recognized Dr. Dinerman with the Ronald D. Stewart Award, the most significant honor among EMS physicians, akin to a lifetime achievement award. The award is given out annually to a person who has made a lasting, major contribution to the EMS community in the US and Canada.

EMMC to Hold Educational Event on Varicose Veins 01/14/2014

Half of all people 50 years of age and older as well as many younger adults live with achy, itchy, swollen, twisting, bulging varicose veins. Two local EMMC physicians will share information about this disease, answer the community’s questions, and discuss treatment options at a free seminar on January 27 from 5 to 7 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor.

EMMC Urges Public to be Aware of Symptoms During Thyroid Awareness Month 01/14/2014

It is estimated that approximately two to three percent of Americans have an underactive thyroid, making this condition one of today’s most common thyroid disorders. Early awareness of the condition and proper medical attention can help balance the effect of underactive thyroid.

EMMC Cancer Surgeon Brings Rural Point of View to National Commission 01/13/2014

A Maine voice with a decidedly southern accent is apparently just what the American College of Surgeons was looking for. Brad Waddell, MD, FACS, an oncologic and general surgeon at EMMC, has been elected to the prestigious American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer for a three-year term. The commission sets national standards and evaluates the quality of cancer treatment programs across the country.

Power Restored at EMMC Healthcare Mall on Union Street 12/23/2013

Power was restored at Eastern Maine Medical Center Healthcare Mall on Union Street around 12:30 pm, after being down for about an hour. Though we are back online, because of the nature of this storm, we encourage patients seeking care at EMMC Walk-In Care or any EMMC services at locations other than our State Street campus to call before visiting. In the case of an emergency, patients should visit EMMC’s Emergency Department.

Power Out at EMMC Healthcare Mall 12/23/2013

Eastern Maine Medical Center Healthcare Mall on Union Street, lost power today around 11:30 am. The power remains down at this time, patients seeking care at EMMC Walk-In Care or any other clinics at the Healthcare Mall are advised to call ahead before visiting, or call their primary care provider to discuss options. In the case of an emergency, patients should visit EMMC’s Emergency Department.

Hope Shines Brightly This Holiday Season for Cancer Patients 12/09/2013

Hope will shine brightly for local cancer patients when the Lights of Hope tree is lit December 12 at EMMC Cancer Care. Lights may be purchased to honor or remember a loved one. The names of the honorees will be displayed at the tree lighting ceremony

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year. With cold weather and snow quickly approaching, EMMC’s orthopedic surgeons are encouraging the community to take a few simple steps to avoid outdoor falls this winter.

Patients Access New Breast Cancer Clinical Trials at EMMC 11/04/2013

Breast cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer in women, and it affects thousands of families in Maine each year. Starting this fall, EMMC Cancer Care will make available two clinical trials that may provide new hope to women who are battling the disease.

EMMC’s Standard in Quality Earns Top National Score: Four EMHS Hospitals Earn an “A” Rating 10/25/2013

One of the biggest things we can do for sick patients is to keep them safe during their hospital visit. That’s why EMMC sets high safety standards for their care. This summer, EMMC achieved Zero Preventable Errors in its core measures for the first time. This week, that dedication to quality has earned EMMC and three other EMHS member hospitals recognition for outstanding performance from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

EMMC Partners with Puget Sound Blood Center 10/07/2013

Eastern Maine Medical Center has made the decision to sign a contract with Puget Sound Blood Center for the purchase of blood and blood products. The decision was made after conversations with several blood suppliers, lengthy deliberations, and glowing recommendations of Puget Sound from other hospitals, some in New England. As a result, EMMC will discontinue its contractual relationship with American Red Cross Blood Services.

EMMC's Fall Birth Night 09/30/2013

Welcoming a baby into the world is the first of many memorable moments for a growing family. Eastern Maine Medical Center knows all parents want to feel prepared and knowledgeable about programs and services in our community to make this joyous time a little easier.

EMMC Autism Program First Of Its Kind in the State to Bridge Gap between Primary Care and Community 09/27/2013

When a child is diagnosed with autism, the path to care can be a bewildering maze of educational and medical services. Now, parents have access to expert guidance through EMMC’s Husson Pediatrics. The practice offers an autism program that is like none other in Maine.

EMMC Earns Silver Collar Award 09/25/2013

Maine has the oldest population in the nation, and EMMC seeks to partner with people over the age of 55 to leverage the skills and abilities these workers bring to the workplace. In recognition of these efforts, EMMC has been named one of Maine’s best employers for workers over the age of 50 by the State Workforce Investment Board’s Older Workers Committee. EMMC, along with the two other award recipients will be honored during National Employ Older Workers Week, September 23-27.

Join Us for a LifeFlight of Maine Celebration 09/20/2013

LifeFlight of Maine is turning 15, and the community is invited to help mark the occasion. On Saturday, September 28, LifeFlight and EMMC are celebrating the critical care transport service’s milestone with an open house on the rooftop helipad at the hospital.

Music and Healing 09/19/2013

EMMC Cancer Care offers the state’s most precise technology and collaborates with the nation’s top cancer centers to bring the latest treatment options to its patients. Yet we realize that, just as important as the technology and leading-edge treatments, is our ability to help patients connect, relax, and reflect.

EMMC to Hold Free Hip and Knee Replacement Seminar 09/16/2013

Hip and knee pain can make it difficult for people who suffer from joint problems to do the things they love. EMMC is holding a free seminar in Bangor on September 23 at 11:30 am to help those who are considering hip or knee replacement surgery become familiar with their options, understand the joint replacement process, and ask questions.

LiveSafe Program Eliminates Installation Fee 09/05/2013

The LiveSAFE Program of EMHS organizations, including Charles A Dean, EMMC, Inland Hospital, Rosscare, and TAMC, has eliminated the $40 one-time installation fee. This change is anticipated to help many low-income seniors and disabled community members throughout central, eastern, and northern Maine afford the life-saving service. The elimination of this fee will also help many community members released from the hospital who need the service on a short-term basis stay safe, lowering the risk of re-hospitalization and the cost of longer hospital stays.

Necrotizing Fasciitis and Healthcare Associated Infections 08/16/2013

Bacteria and viruses that cause disease are all around us. Many of them do not cause harm, and the ones that do are usually successfully defeated by our immune system. On rare occasions, serious infections can be acquired in the home, community, or hospital. In the last couple of days, there has been a heightened interest in the local media about healthcare associated infections and specifically, necrotizing soft tissue infections—known also as necrotizing fasciitis.

Bicycling is a fun way for kids to get active and stay fit during the warm summer days in Maine. This weekend, staff from EMMC Trauma Care and Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine will be on hand before the Hampden Children’s Day parade to make sure that kids are staying safe while on their bikes.

You Could be Someone’s Chance at Life - EMMC Cancer Care to Host Bone Marrow Drive at Champion the C 08/09/2013

At the age of 22 months, Makenna Ward of Houlton was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that affects children and infants. Makenna, now six years old, is alive today because of two stem cell transplants. On Saturday, August 17, caring community members can give hope to children like Makenna and adults who are battling cancer by joining the bone marrow registry at the EMMC Champion the Cure Challenge.

EMMC Establishes New Connection with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston 07/30/2013

In healthcare, time matters. The time it takes for a patient to reach the Emergency Department. The time it takes for lab results to be returned. The time it takes for a patient to know what comes next.

EMMC Family Medicine Hampden Opening 07/18/2013

Recent advancements in healthcare delivery models have shown the benefits of coordinated care focused on the individual needs of each patient. This care starts with the relationship between a patient and their primary care team. Eastern Maine Medical Center’s new family medicine practice expands access to these primary care services in Hampden. The practice is located in the plaza at 7 Main Road North in Hampden.

Six EMHS Hospitals Named Among the Nation’s Most Wired 07/10/2013

Six EMHS hospitals are at the forefront of using information technology to improve patient care, based on the results of a 2013 survey published by the American Hospital Association. Eastern Maine Medical Center, Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and Blue Hill Memorial Hospital were recognized in the healthcare’s most wired category, and TAMC, Acadia Hospital, and Inland Hospital were honored in the most wired – small and rural category. The six hospitals were among only eight in Maine to be recognized.

Eastern Maine Medical Center relies on its wonderful volunteers to greet patients and visitors with a warm smile, bring comfort to those going through cancer treatment, assist with office projects, and help with many other tasks. Now, with a multi-year modernization project about to kick off, EMMC is recruiting additional volunteers to welcome patients and visitors, help people find their way around the hospital, and fill other positions.

EMMC Prepared to Meet the Medical Needs of Phish Fans and the Local Community over the Holiday Week 07/02/2013

As Bangor gets ready to welcome more than 20,000 fans for Wednesday night’s Phish concert, Eastern Maine Medical Center is taking steps to respond to a possible increase in patient volume resulting from the influx of people in the city.

EMMC Announces Changes in Laundry Services 06/27/2013

It may be surprising to know that Eastern Maine Medical Center processes between 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of laundry each day. The current EMMC laundry, which supports EMMC and Acadia Hospital, has inadequate space to manage this volume demand.

Overnight, the 95 miles between Calais Regional Hospital and EMMC has vanished for Calais area patients seeking cardiac care. Now, instead of traveling a couple of hours, patients can drive just minutes to Calais Regional Hospital to meet with an expert EMMC cardiologist through a telemedicine partnership launched today with Calais.

EMMC and The Jackson Lab Awarded Grant to Expand Innovative Cancer Research 06/13/2013

Researchers from Eastern Maine Medical Center and The Jackson Laboratory are expanding work on an innovative research project that could lead to significant advances in cancer treatment, thanks to a $49,900 grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation.

EMMC Recognized at the National Level for Excellence in Safety and Satisfaction 05/24/2013

When it Comes to Stroke, Every Minute Counts: EMMC recognized as a leader in providing high quality, 05/22/2013

“Time lost is brain lost” is a common saying when it comes to stroke care. Healthcare organizations focused on providing timely, high quality care are able to decrease the effect a stroke can have on a patient. Eastern Maine Medical Center has received recognition for its focus on these efforts through the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

EMMC Senior Vice President and CMO Accepts Expanded Role 05/14/2013

EMMC is pleased to announce James Raczek, MD, FAAFP, has accepted an expanded role as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in addition to his Chief Medical Officer role, effective immediately.

EMMC Residency Program Takes New Approach to Common Chronic Disease 05/14/2013

As the healthcare industry moves forward with a greater focus on keeping people healthy, organizations across the country are piloting ways of helping patients better manage chronic diseases. EMMC’s Center for Family Medicine has launched an innovative care model for diabetes patients that offers group medical visits each month.

Keeping track of blood pressure and other basic health information is one of the most important things consumers can do to take control of their health. Eastern Maine Medical Center is celebrating National Hospital Week by holding a free blood pressure and body mass index screening event intended to make it easier for people to know where they stand.

EMMC's Spring Birth Night 04/29/2013

Bangor, Maine – Welcoming a baby into the world is the first of many memorable moments for a growing family. Eastern Maine Medical Center knows all parents want to feel prepared and knowledgeable about programs and services in our community to make this joyous time a little easier.

Cub Tracks Triathlon 2013 04/15/2013

An estimated 23 percent of Maine children are either overweight or obese.¹ EMMC is joining the fight against childhood obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles among kids, with activities such as the annual Cub Tracks Triathlon. With the highest number of children registered ever, the fourth annual Cub Tracks Triathlon is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 at the University of Maine in Orono. There will be a mandatory participant meeting at 9 am, and the race begins at 10 am.

Clinicians at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) and researchers at the University of Maine (UMaine) are using motion capture technology to develop precise three-dimensional images of the human body for the benefit of patients and athletes. The technology, which is similar to what is used to track actors’ movements and create animated three-dimensional video in movies, allows doctors to assess a patient’s physical capabilities, better manage the risk of injury in seniors, and reduce sports injuries.

Pen Bay Healthcare and Eastern Maine Medical Center are pleased to announce a collaboration that will bring state-of-the-art treatment and cancer clinical research trials to Midcoast Maine. The partnership gives Pen Bay Medical Center membership in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Program as a satellite of EMMC Cancer Care. This affiliation will allow Pen Bay to participate in breast, colon, and lung cancer trials as designated by the National Cancer Institute.

Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer death in Maine, according to the American Cancer Society. Today, Mainers have the opportunity to participate in a study aimed at reducing the incidence of colon cancer across the nation. Eastern Maine Medical Center is enrolling patients in a national clinical trial that could lead to better long-term outcomes for colorectal cancer survivors and people who have had polyps removed from the colon. The trial investigates if a statin drug commonly used to lower cholesterol could prevent polyps from reoccurring.

Acadia and EMMC Earn Well Workplace Designations 02/27/2013

EMHS affiliates in Bangor, Acadia Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center, have both achieved the prestigious Well Workplace designation from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Acadia, at their first attempt, has received the Gold Level, signifying the hospital has successfully built comprehensive wellness initiatives and was able to demonstrate concrete outcomes. EMMC has received the Platinum Level which is granted to organizations that are forging new ground by linking health promotion objectives to business outcomes.

Moving Better, Living Better Information Seminar Postponed 02/07/2013

As we prepare for this weekend’s weather, Eastern Maine Medical Center has decided to postpone the chronic joint pain seminar that was scheduled for Saturday, February 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn. It is now scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at 10:45 am at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among men and women in the United States. Today not only marks the beginning of National Heart Month, but it is also Wear Red Day, a national initiative to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Bonds for EMMC Modernization Project Well Received on Wall Street 01/30/2013

Eastern Maine Medical Center is one step closer toward modernizing and expanding healthcare access for patients in northern, central, and eastern Maine. On Wednesday, EMMC’s parent company, EMHS, entered the capital markets by issuing $150 million in tax-exempt bonds which along with equity, represents Phase I of the EMMC Modernization Project and will be used to provide funds for the construction of a new seven story patient tower as well as outfitting of four of those floors. The Series 2013 Bonds were issued by the Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority (MHHEFA).

Mainers facing breast cancer have a new option for this new year as EMMC opened the state’s first dedicated breast surgical practice on January 2, 2013. The EMMC Breast Surgical Specialists office, located on the third floor of EMMC’s Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer, offers patients convenient access to pre and post-surgical services as well as medical and radiation oncology, genetic research, nurse navigation, behavioral therapy, and a survivor clinic.

EMMC and NECA Complete Integration Agreement 12/31/2012

Bangor, Maine – Today, Eastern Maine Medical Center and Northeast Cardiology Associates (NECA) completed an agreement to integrate the cardiology practice into EMMC’s Heart Center. The goal of this integration is to give patients easier access to an EMMC Heart Center that provides consistent service and quality of care.

Local children with cancer and blood disorders have a new place to receive their life-saving care as Eastern Maine Medical Center opens the doors of the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center on Friday, December 14. An open house will be held from 1 to 6 pm at the facility, which is located on the third floor of EMMC CancerCare, in the Lafayette Family Cancer Center on Whiting Hill Road in Brewer.

EMMC's Emergency Department Upgrades Security Measures 11/28/2012

EMMC has taken many precautions over the years to provide a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff. Starting Thursday November 29, EMMC will implement a security screening process that includes a walk-through metal detector for patients and visitors and an x-ray machine for items such as backpacks, purses, and packages entering the Emergency Department. Rest assured, patients presenting with a life threatening condition will receive immediate medical treatment.

EMMC Receives Final Approval for Modernization Project 11/08/2012

On Tuesday, Eastern Maine Medical Center received final approval from the EMHS Board of Directors to move forward with the Modernization Project that will bring updates to surgery, cardiac, and women and infants services for patients from throughout the region who receive care at EMMC. Tuesday’s unanimous vote came a week after the EMMC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with the project that was approved by Maine’s Certificate of Need Unit in 2008.

EMMC Named First General and Bariatric Surgery Robotic Epicenter 10/30/2012

It’s another first for Eastern Maine Medical Center. Of the more than 5,000 registered hospitals in the United States, Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor is the first, and only, hospital designated as a general and bariatric surgery robotic epicenter by Intuitive Surgical.

The fourth annual Cub Tracks Youth Triathlon scheduled for Sunday, September 30 at the University of Maine in Orono has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions. For those who registered for the event, it is being rescheduled for Spring 2013, and we will contact you as soon as more details are available.

American College of Surgeons Designates EMMC’s Surgical Weight Loss Program as a Level 1 Accredited 09/18/2012

Bangor, Maine – For more than 30 years, EMMC’s Surgical Weight Loss Program has been serving patients with a total approach to weight loss that encompasses nutritional education, physical therapy, professional counseling, peer support and a nationally recognized surgical program.

(Bangor, Maine) – As autumn routines of school and extracurricular activities begin again, another annual tradition is fast approaching. Join Eastern Maine Medical Center, The University of Maine, and Kohl’s on Sunday, September 30 at noon for the fourth annual Cub Tracks Youth Triathlon.

(Bangor, Maine) – EMMC is proud to be the leading specialty medical center for the northern two thirds of Maine. We’re equally proud that our expert physicians are touching the lives of many more people by helping physicians from around the world develop and integrate high quality blood management programs in their hospitals.

EMMC Physician Agrees to Sanctions from the Board of Medical Licensure 09/14/2012

A physician working at EMMC’s Husson Family Medicine practice has agreed to sanctions from the Board of Medical Licensure, contained in a consent agreement, for improperly prescribing drugs to patients complaining of chronic pain.

Surgeons Log On From Coast to Coast to Learn About Robotic Surgery from EMMC 09/14/2012

(Bangor, Maine) – Surgeons from coast to coast, logged on to a webinar hosted by EMMC on Thursday, September 6. During the webinar, attendees learned more about robotic surgery and the benefits it offers physicians and their patients including less pain, reduced scarring, and faster recovery. They received this information from one of the country’s first surgeons to perform robotically-assisted bariatric surgery, EMMC’s bariatric surgeon Michelle Toder, MD, FACS.

EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine Makes Navigation Easy 08/16/2012

Negotiating your way through a cancer diagnosis is not easy. Treatment plans are complex, and multiple appointments and other details can be difficult to manage, while patients struggle with the fears surrounding cancer.

Be Someone’s Chance at Life 08/13/2012

EMMC and NECA Plan to Integrate for Improved Cardiac Care 08/01/2012

Bangor, Maine – Eastern Maine Medical Center and Northeast Cardiology Associates (NECA) are excited to announce they are in final discussions to integrate the cardiology physician practice into EMMC’s Heart Center. The plan will facilitate closer alignment and coordination of care, ease of access, quality monitoring and improvement, and enhanced patient service.

EMMC Aware of Allegations Against Employee 07/23/2012

Eastern Maine Medical Center is aware of the recent allegations against one of our newly hired employees. The employee, who brought the issue to our attention, denies the allegations and is confident he will be cleared of these charges when all of the facts come to light.

National Magazine: EMMC, Acadia Among the 100 ‘Most Wired’ Hospitals in the Country 07/10/2012

Bangor, ME — Eastern Maine Medical Center and Acadia Hospital, both affiliates of EMHS, are among the 100 Most Wired Hospitals in the country, according to Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, the flagship publication of the American Hospital Association.

EMMC Appoints New Chief Nursing Officer 06/13/2012

(Bangor, Maine) -- Deborah Carey Johnson, RN, EMMC President and CEO, is pleased to announce, after a national search, she’s appointed Jodi Galli, RN as EMMC’s new chief nursing officer. Jodi is currently the chief nurse executive and vice president of Patient Care Services at Citrus Valley Medical Center, which is about 20 miles outside of Los Angeles, California.

EMMC's Board of Trustees Unanimously Approves New Three Year Collective Bargaining Agreement with Nu 06/06/2012

Bangor, ME – Eastern Maine Medical Center is pleased to share its Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the new three year collective bargaining agreement with the union that represents its staff nurses, Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United.

Bargaining Session between EMMC and Nurses Union Ends Without an Agreement 05/16/2012

Bangor, ME Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United were back at the negotiation table with the federal mediator today. After a short session, EMMC restated its final offer, the union did not respond, and the mediator ended the session around 11:30 am.

Negotiators for Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United were back at the bargaining table today. While no decision was reached, both parties remain hopeful they’ll reach a mutually beneficial decision.

EMMC to Hold NICU Reunion 05/01/2012

“Look at you!” will be the comment of the day during a special annual event at EMMC on May 1. Graduates of the Hilda C. Rosen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will be back at EMMC to reunite with the staff of the EMMC NICU who cared for them as infants.​

College Students Pull All-Nighter for EMMC Pediatrics 04/25/2012

As part of a national effort to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the University of Maine hosted its first annual BearFest, an all-night dance marathon began at 8 pm on March 31 and ended 12 hours later. More than 300 students and supporters were in attendance.

(Bangor) -- Like many hospitals across the United States, Eastern Maine Medical Center is seeing an increase in aggressive behavior in the Emergency Department. This past weekend Bangor Police responded to a call in the Emergency Department after a patient physically assaulted a nurse.

Roundtable Discussions 04/06/2012

EMMC is celebrating Occupational Therapy Month in April by holding the first in a series of Occupational Therapy Roundtable Sessions. This is a great opportunity to network with other therapists, and to offer valuable information to assist in caring for patients.

EMMC is celebrating its tenth year of being a tobacco free campus. In recognition of working to create tobacco-free environments and promoting tobacco-free lifestyles, EMMC has earned 10 of 10 stars in the Maine Tobacco Free Hospital Network’s Gold Star Standards of Excellence program, setting EMMC apart as a gold star champion.

Important Information about EMMC's Dialysis Program 02/28/2012

For decades, Eastern Maine Medical Center has successfully operated a high quality dialysis program for patients living with kidney failure, growing the program, in recent years, from one outpatient center to three. Because the service is so highly specialized and heavily regulated, however, it is a difficult service for hospitals to manage.

EMMC's Phones are Working 01/25/2012

EMMC Announces Changes in Leadership 01/18/2012

(Bangor, ME) — Eastern Maine Medical Center announced several leadership changes today. James Raczek, MD, EMMC’s chief medical officer, has been promoted to the position of senior vice president of operations and chief medical officer at EMMC.

EMMC, as a Member of EMHS, Participating in Pioneer ACO Model 12/19/2011

(Bangor, Maine) -- EMHS is very pleased to be one of the 32 organizations across the United States invited to become a Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). M. Michelle Hood, FACHE, president and CEO of EMHS, said the up to five year demonstration project is intended to improve the coordination, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and cost of healthcare.

Promoting healthy eating habits through hospital system 12/12/2011

Brewer, Maine (December 5, 2011) – EMHS (Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems), and Guiding Stars®, the world’s first storewide nutrition navigation program, announce a partnership to implement the program throughout its system of hospitals. The partnership seeks to benefit the health of local communities by helping patients, visitors, and employees within EMHS hospitals identify more nutritious food choices.

Hope Shines Brightly This Holiday Season 12/12/2011

(Bangor, ME) - Hope will shine brightly for local cancer patients when the Lights of Hope tree is lit at EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Lights may be purchased to honor or remember a loved one. The names of the honorees will be displayed at the tree lighting ceremony. All proceeds benefit EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine.

Universal Waste Recycling Day 10/04/2011

(Bangor, ME) – Eastern Maine Medical Center is again encouraging its employees to think green. On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, EMMC is holding another universal waste recycling day. EMMC employees are encouraged to stop by the Wing Parking Lot from 10 am – 2 pm and drop off their unwanted televisions, computers, printers, and monitors for recycling. E-Waste Recycling will park a truck in the Wing Lot and take employee’s unwanted items for free.

Tickets Still Available for EMMC Auxiliary Kitchen Tour 09/22/2011

EMMC Recognized as a National Leader in Providing High Quality, Safe Healthcare 09/14/2011

Eastern Maine Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in the United States, and is one of only three hospitals in Maine -- the only one with an established Heart Center -- to be recognized.

Care About Your Care 09/12/2011

What are you doing on Thursday, September 15, 2011? Eastern Maine Medical Center, along with several otherBangor Beacon Community members, will be at the Spectacular Event Center on Griffin Road in Bangor from 10 am - 2 pm for Care About Your Care.

Bangor, ME— EMMC is officially one week into the three-month electrical line and Emergency Department drive expansion construction project. In order to perform these much needed tasks, construction crews were forced to remove trees in close proximity to the construction zone to complete the project.

Honoring EMMC's Heroes for Life 08/08/2011

Bangor, Maine – There is no greater gift than giving the gift of life, and on Tuesday, August 9 at 1 pm, Eastern Maine Medical Center and the New England Organ Bank Organ invite you to help us honor organ donors and
their families during a formal dedication of EMMC’s Organ Donation Memorial Butterfly Garden. The dedication will start in Mason Auditorium at EMMC’s State Street campus, and then move outside to the garden.

EMMC Exploring Plans to Align Pediatric Oncology Services with CancerCare of Maine at the Lafayette 07/14/2011

EMMC is currently exploring plans to move our pediatric oncology services to CancerCare of Maine at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer. This potential move is exciting because it will enhance and expand services for our young cancer patients. Currently pediatric patients who need chemotherapy and other infusion therapies come for treatment on Grant 8, our pediatric unit, at the State Street campus.

EMMC Presents Nursing Excellence Award 06/08/2011

(Bangor, ME) -- On Thursday morning, June 9, from 7:30 to 8:30 am, Eastern Maine Medical Center will present its annual Nursing Excellence Award. The award is a public commendation given to one EMMC staff nurse each year who embodies “nursing excellence”.

Thank You for Making the Annual Children's Miracle Telethon a Huge Success 06/07/2011

Thank you to all of the people who made the 24th Children's Miracle Network Telethon a huge success. This year, thanks to the generous support of our friends, neighbors, and local businesses throughout central, eastern, and northern Maine, the 24th annual CMNH telethon raised more than $530,000. The total was announced this past Saturday as the telethon was broadcast live from Bangor Mall center court on WABI-TV5.

(Bangor, ME) – Eastern Maine Medical Center informed employees today of additional positions that have been identified for reduction in an effort to preserve services offered to the region and to improve the hospital’s financial performance.

Help Us Make Miracles Happen 05/23/2011

(Bangor, ME) -- The last thing parents want to think about when their child is sick or injured is where they’re going to receive care. Donate to the annual Children’s Miracle Network of EMHS Telethon to ensure that doesn’t happen.

(Bangor, ME) -- For the last several years, EMMC’s staff has worked hard to reduce the cost of healthcare and the need for hospitalization as much as possible. On Monday, May 23, EMMC’s Vascular Care of Maine celebrated the opening of a newly renovated procedure room that is doing just that.

EMMC Employees Volunteer to Brighten Bangor 05/20/2011

(Bangor, ME) – On Friday, May 20, several EMMC employees will volunteer their time to give back to the greater Bangor community by cleaning and brightening up Chapin Park in Bangor. Rain or shine, volunteers will plant flowers, spread mulch, and pick up debris between 10 am and 1pm.

EMMC, Nurses Union Reach Agreement 05/04/2011

Bangor, ME – Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses United notified Eastern Maine Medical Center tonight that its membership has voted to ratify the one-year contract tentatively agreed upon at the April 28 bargaining session. The tentative agreement will be presented to EMMC’s Board of Trustees Wednesday, May 4 with recommendation from the bargaining team for approval.

EMMC and Nurses' Union Reach One Year Agreement 04/28/2011

(Bangor, ME) - Eastern Maine Medical Center reached a tentative one-year contract agreement with the union representing its nurses, the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses United, on Thursday evening. The union has withdrawn its notice to strike on May 5. EMMC will halt preparations for a five day replacement of striking nurses that would have kept EMMC nurses out of work until Tuesday, May 10.

EMMC's Birth Night 04/11/2011

If you are a new parent, expecting a baby soon, or planning for a baby in the future, bring your family and friends to EMMC's Birth Night on Thursday, April 14, from 6 - 8 pm in Mason Auditorium on EMMC's State Street campus. EMMC's Birth Night is a free program where you can learn more about the services EMMC and the surrounding communities offer...

EMMC Responds to Worker Rights Board of Eastern Maine 04/08/2011

(Bangor, ME) – An organization called the Worker Rights Board of Eastern Maine has addressed a letter to EMMC board members and corporators inviting them to a forum at the end of April “to discuss a fair and just resolution to the ongoing contract negotiations between EMMC and the National Nurses United.”

Bangor, ME—In healthcare, quality means doing the right thing at the right time for the right patient, and doing it right every time. Whether that’s diagnosing and treating a patient with a heart attack or a patient with pneumonia, the consistent achievement of excellence in care is measured by state and national organizations. Eastern Maine Medical Center is the only tertiary care center in Maine being recognized as a preferred provider for providing this consistent quality care for the past five years by the Maine State Employee Health Commission.

EMMC Uses iPod in Teletrauma Service 03/23/2011

Bangor, ME—The call came in just after midnight from The Aroostook Medical Center. A skiing accident had caused craniofacial injuries in a young patient. Such injuries usually involve a referral to a maxillofacial surgeon in Bangor, and the physician on the scene wanted a consultation with a trauma surgeon. With this call, a first-of-its-kind pilot program at Eastern Maine Medical Center using hand-held devices for teletrauma got its first real-time application.

Champion the Cure Challenge Call for Participants 03/22/2011

(Brewer, ME) On August 20, 2011, we invite you, and your family to come out and support our 2nd Annual Champion the Cure Challenge by riding your bike 100, 50, or 25 miles, or running / walking 5 or 10k. If you can’t do either we challenge you to support someone who is participating.

Join With Us and Be a Shining Light This Holiday Season 12/06/2010

Each day finds CancerCare of Maine...Bringing Hope to Life offering services to patients and their families from throughout northern, eastern, and central Maine. From sophisticated technology to the latest chemotherapy to gentle support with an emphasis on caring... .​

(Bangor) - Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to announce that it recently received the news that its website, www.emmc.org, is the recipient of the eHealthcare Leadership's Distinction Award for Best Employee Recruitment website.

EMMC and Nurses’ Union Back at Bargaining Table 12/01/2010

(Bangor) - Negotiators for Eastern Maine Medical Center and the union that represents its staff nurses are back at the bargaining table today with a federal mediator and a liaison from Governor Baldacci’s office present.

EMMC Moves Forward with Plans to Replace Striking Nurses 11/12/2010

(Bangor) - EMMC received official word earlier this week that the union that represents EMMC nurses is planning to strike the three Bangor and Brewer campuses on Monday, November 22, 2010. This union is also planning strikes at other hospitals across the country.

EMMC Employees Think Green 11/11/2010

(Bangor, ME) – EMMC is, once again, asking employees to care for our communities by keeping recyclable trash out of the landfills. The medical center is holding its Fall Universal Waste Recycling Day, tomorrow Friday, November 12, 2010 from 10 am – 2 pm, in the Wing parking lot, across from the State Street campus.

EMMC Responds to Union Vote 11/05/2010

(Bangor, Maine) - The Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurse Organizing Committee/National Nurses United held voting sessions November 3 and November 4 asking their members to accept or reject EMMC's final nursing contract offer.

EMMC Wins EPA Energy Award 11/04/2010

Bangor, ME — Eastern Maine Medical Center’s energy innovations have earned the hospital an Energy Star Combined Heat and Power award from the US Environmental Protection Agency. EMMC is one of just four institutions in the United States to be recognized by the EPA for energy innovations that have cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

EMMC Responds to Jury Verdict in EMTALA Case 10/22/2010

(Bangor, ME) - Eastern Maine Medical Center was notified late Wednesday that a federal court jury in Bangor had returned a decision against the hospital in an EMTALA case that was heard in court earlier in the week. EMTALA is a federal law that ensures patients’ access to emergency medical services.

Update: EMMC Inpatient Modernization Project 10/14/2010

Cub Tracks Youth Triathlon Registration Closes Soon 09/16/2010

As autumn routines of school and extra-curricular activities, fall back into place, another new “tradition” is fast approaching. The Second Annual Cub Tracks Youth Triathlon will be held at noon on September 26, at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The registration fee is $20.

Sixth Annual Kitchen Tour and Tasting 09/02/2010

EMMC’s Auxiliary is hosting the sixth annual Kitchen Tour and Tasting. You are invited inside some of our areas most beautiful homes for a tour and a bite to eat. This year we have seven new gracious home owners opening their doors.

Expecting? Make Plans to Attend EMMC's Fall Birth Night 08/30/2010

EMMC Land Line Phone Service Restored 08/03/2010

(Bangor) - Eastern Maine Medical Center’s incoming phone service at the State Street campus has been restored following a digging accident on French Street in Bangor that disrupted phone service to the medical center and other area businesses and residences. Hard wired phone service to campuses at Union Street and Whiting Hill in Brewer are expected to be operational soon.

EMMC Responds to Phone Disruption 08/03/2010

Eastern Maine Medical Center’s incoming phone system has been interrupted by a construction incident elsewhere in the city. EMMC is down to a single incoming hardwired phone line into the main number, which may mean a busy signal for many who call that line. We are asking that people dial the main number in an emergency only, as the line should be prioritized for patient emergencies.

EMMC Only Healthcare Facility in Maine to be named a Most Wired Hospital 07/15/2010

(Bangor, ME)—Eastern Maine Medical Center continues to be recognized as a leader in leveraging healthcare information technology to better serve our patients. We’re proud to announce that for the third year in a row, EMMC has been named to the nation’s Most Wired Hospitals list, and we are the only hospital in Maine to earn the national recognition this year.

Help Us To Make Miracles Happenx 05/24/2010

Now, more than ever the children of central, eastern, and northern Maine need your help. Each year the Children’s Miracle Network of EMHS helps support more than a hundred thousand pediatric visits to one of our system hospitals in Bangor, Blue Hill, Greenville, Pittsfield, Presque Isle and Waterville - we can’t do it without your support.

Cancer Survivor Day 05/24/2010

On Sunday, June 6 Eastern Maine Medical Center’s CancerCare of Maine will host its annual Cancer Survivor Day at the Bangor Waterfront. The event is free and starts at 2pm. We will honor survivors, co-survivors and this year’s Community Support Award recipient. A variety of entertainment is scheduled starting with Maine Humorist Clay Folsom at 2:30pm, and classical folk rock from Aztec Two Step at 3:30pm. Food is being provided by Steve’s Stagecoach Express and ice cream from John’s.

EMMC Goes Green by Hosting Employee Universal Waste Day 04/12/2010

EMMC is proud to be able to encourage employees to lead the way in protecting the environment.
On Friday, April 16, EMMC is hosting a spring universal waste drop-off day from 10am – 2pm where employees are able to drop off any used televisions, computers, and computer monitors to be disposed of for free. E-Waste Recycling will park a tractor trailer in the Wing Parking Lot to take the old TVs, computers, and computer monitors to be recycled.

Expecting? Make Plans to Attend Birth Night 04/05/2010

If you're a new parent, expecting a baby soon, or planning for a baby in the future, bring your family and friends to Birth Night, a free program where you can learn more about the many services EMMC offers.

EMMC Joint Center First in State to Earn Joint Commission Certification 04/01/2010

(Bangor, ME) – Living with joint pain can significantly limit your ability to enjoy an active life. For more than 35 years, EMMC's board-certified orthopedic joint surgeons have been repairing and replacing hips and knees, and now we’re proud to announce that EMMC’s Joint Center is the first in the state of Maine and only the third in New England to earn the Gold Seal of Approval for healthcare quality. The Joint Commission recently awarded Eastern Maine Medical Center Disease-Specific Care Certification for our total hip and knee programs.

Further Staffing Adjustments Announced 03/03/2010

The staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center is committed to caring for our patients, their families, the community, and one another. During these challenging financial times, it’s no secret that EMMC has been working to find ways to reduce costs and, like many organizations, we are continuing to make adjustments in response to these evolving realities.

Free H1N1 Vaccine Now Available At “The Clinic At Walmart” 02/11/2010

Free H1N1 vaccine is now available at “The Clinic At Walmart” in Bangor and Brewer locations. Anyone interested in receiving vaccine may simply go to the clinic, no appointment is necessary. In Bangor, the convenient care clinic is located in the Walmart Supercenter at 900 Stillwater Avenue and, in Brewer, the clinic is located in the Walmart Supercenter off Wilson Street.

EMMC to Adjust Staffing to Current Climate 01/27/2010

The staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center is committed to caring for our patients, their families, the community, and one another. During these challenging financial times, we, like many organizations, need to make adjustments in accordance with evolving realities. We are working to adjust our staffing to be consistent with the current lower census of patients at EMMC.

EMMC Recognized for Exceptional Support of the Guard and Reserve 12/15/2009

Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is the Maine 2009 recipient of the Pro Patria award from the Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. The Pro Patria award recognizes employers who demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employers to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. This award is given to one business or organization per state annually.

Lights of Hope 12/08/2009

EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine invites you to be a part of the first ever Lights of Hope celebration at our new Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer. We are continuing our tradition by honoring or remembering a loved one. Consider purchasing a light to decorate our Lights of Hope tree located at the new cancer center at 33 Whiting Hill Road in Brewer. Each shining light on the tree represents someone whose life has been touched by cancer, and the tree itself symbolizes hope.

(Bangor, ME) – There’s new help and hope for cancer patients and their families. The Lafayette Family Cancer Center will advance collaboration between physicians and clinicians at EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine, and the researchers and scientists at Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health.

The Clinic at Walmart - Operated by a Subsidiary of EMMC - To Open on November 9 11/03/2009

Bangor, ME – November 3, 2009 – Today, Walmart and Eastern Maine Medical Center, as a member of EMHS, announce Bangor’s newest offering of healthcare services – “The Clinic at Walmart” operated by a subsidiary of Eastern Maine Medical Center. This convenient care clinic will open Monday, November 9 at 10 am in the Walmart Supercenter located at 900 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor.

Service Consolidation Preserves Patient Care and Jobs at EMMC 10/02/2009

As Eastern Maine Medical Center continues to seek out ways to respond to pressures from our community to reduce the cost of healthcare services, we are making some changes that will both lower expenses and preserve the highest level of quality for our pediatric oncology and gastroenterology patients.

Positions Changes to Further Reduce Expenses at EMMC 09/21/2009

EMMC Hosts Cub Tracks Youth Triathlon 09/21/2009

As a gold medal winning Olympic swimmer, Maine native Ian Crocker knows the importance of staying active and getting physically fit. Now he, along with Eastern Maine Medical Center and the University of Maine, are encouraging local youth to do the same.

Introducing the Imaging Center of Maine 09/04/2009

(Bangor, ME) – Today, everyone is on the go. Whether you are a mom who’s trying to squeeze in a doctor’s appointment between school functions or a business person who’s trying to fit in an appointment between meetings, EMMC understands time is valuable.

Lafayette Family Cancer Center 08/24/2009

(Brewer, ME) – Danny and Carla Lafayette always hoped they would be in a position to help their community in a lasting way, and now the Hampden couple has managed to assemble extraordinary support for a new cancer and research center being built in Brewer, “We can have a world class center here, we all deserve it, and we can also find a cure for cancer right here if we are just given the resources and talent to do it,” they said.

CancerCare of Maine Receives the Latest Technology 08/06/2009

Bangor, ME – Eastern Maine Medical Center is taking delivery this month of several new pieces of equipment that will improve treatment effectiveness for cancer patients. On Friday, August 7 at 8 am at its new center in Brewer, CancerCare of Maine will receive the second of its two new radiation treatment machines.

Photography Helps CancerCare of Maine Patient Focus on the Important Things 07/14/2009

Susan McLaughlin started taking photos when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2005. “It was really relaxing for me to go down to the dock at sunset to think or try not to think. Taking photographs was just an extension of the thinking.” Most of her photos are taken around her home in Newport. Her favorite is the “Sunset on Sebasticook Lake” photo that is currently displayed across from the reception desk on the ground floor of EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine.

EMHS Healthcare Charities, which oversees EMMC Healthcare Charities, has earned the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal of Approval - becoming one of only nine non-profits in the state of Maine to earn this honor. Proving that Healthcare Charities was worthy of the seal of approval was a demanding process, involving rigorous scrutiny of our governance, effectiveness, finances, solicitations, and informational materials. The twenty standards set by the Better Business Bureau go above and beyond what government regulators require.

Join Eastern Maine Medical Center on Sunday, August 9 for the 9th annual Beach to Beach Swim for Breast Cancer to benefit Caring Connections. Caring Connections is a cooperative program of EMMC and the Bangor Y that provides breast health education, screening, diagnostic, and treatment services to uninsured and underinsured women in eastern Maine.

EMMC Recognized for Excellent Service Six Years in a Row 06/09/2009

2009 CMN Telethon - Another Success 06/01/2009

In the last twenty-two years we have met some extraordinary children who are alive today because they had the healthcare they needed when and where it would help them the most. That accomplishment didn’t just happen. Help was there because Maine people did the right thing.

EMMC Celebrates Grand Opening of New Parking Garage 05/28/2009

As the tertiary referral center for the northern two-thirds of Maine, EMMC is continually looking to improve access to healthcare for the communities we serve. It became evident that for some, access starts the minute they arrive on our State Street campus, in the form of available parking spots.

Be a Miracle Maker - Help CMN Help Local Children 05/26/2009

Now, more than ever the children of central, eastern, and northern Maine need your help. Each year the Children’s Miracle Network of EMHS helps support more than a hundred thousand pediatric visits to one of our system hospitals in Bangor, Blue Hill, Greenville, Pittsfield, Presque Isle and Waterville - we can’t do it without your support.

Join EMMC to Get Fit to a T 05/05/2009

The statistics are alarming -- in the United States alone, one in every two women and one in every four men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, one out of every four persons with a hip fracture due to osteoporosis ends up in a nursing home for long-term care, and more than 30 percent of men who suffer a hip fracture will die within a year.

In Gratitude of Hospitals 05/05/2009

As employees of Eastern Maine Medical Center, we inspire confidence in the care we deliver everyday. The following article is a family's touching account of the care they received while at Eastern Maine Medical Center during some of their darkest hours.

Are Those Sniffles Allergies or H1N1 Symptoms? 05/04/2009

(Bangor, ME) – The increased attention on the H1N1 (swine) flu is coming at an interesting time in Maine. We are wrapping up our flu season, and are still seeing occasional reports of Influenza A and B in the area, while budding trees and blooming flowers are also wreaking havoc on the sinuses of Mainers across the state.

Bangor Hospitals Stand Ready to Respond to H1N1 Influenza 05/01/2009

(Bangor, Maine)—With so much attention focused on the current outbreak of H1N1 influenza, it’s understandable why people are concerned or confused. We all want to do whatever we can to keep our families healthy. The good news is that there is quite a lot we can do to control our risk.

Each year, Eastern Maine Medical Center hosts a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit reunion to celebrate the wonderful success stories of hundreds of newborns who needed special medical help at the beginning of life, and have gone on to grow and thrive.

Two New Art Displays at CancerCare of Maine 04/25/2009

For thousands of years, people have used art as way to communicate. We also know that art has a profound healing effect on patients. That’s why EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine hosts two art gallery showings. Currently, Alan Meyer is showing landscape paintings in the Webber 1 intake office, and on the ground floor of CancerCare, Linden O’Ryan is showing watercolors.

New Help and Hope for Cancer Patients and Their Families...Join Us and Help Champion the Cure 04/13/2009

(Bangor, ME) –Most of us can say we know and love someone touched by cancer. In fact, Maine has the highest cancer incidence rate in the nation. The region served by EMMC has the highest rates of cancer in Maine. EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine provides treatment to more than 7,000 patients every year who reside in the northern two-thirds of Maine.

Each year, EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine serves more than 2,000 patients primarily from Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Somerset counties. EMMC’s program has received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer for its delivery of cancer care throughout the organization at the highest level. The award is presented every three years, and EMMC is one of only three cancer centers in New England to receive this award (in 2005 and 2008).

Expecting? Make plans to attend Birth Night 04/01/2009

If you're a new parent, expecting a baby soon, or planning for a baby in the future, bring your family and friends to Birth Night, a free program where you can learn more about the many services EMMC offers.

Westside Court to Accommodate Special Patient Needs 03/25/2009

EMMC strives every day to meet the individual and special needs of our patients. This month marks the opening of a new unit, Westside Court, which is specifically designed to accommodate the special needs of patients we are treating who also have conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. These patients may need an environment that better suits their sensitivities to commotion, unfamiliarity, and interrupted routine.

EMMC is One of Four Local Hospitals Selected to Participate in National Quality Improvement Collabor 03/11/2009

Quality Counts, an organization committed to working together across organizations and across communities to improve healthcare systems and outcomes with the people of Maine, announced on Wednesday, March 11 that EMMC, along with Redington-Fairview General Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center and Southern Maine Medical Center, have been selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to participate in a new effort to improve the quality of care in hospitals. The program will help nurses and other front line staff identify, test and implement changes that will improve the quality and safety of patient care in their medical and surgical units.

EMMC Rises to Meet Community Needs During Challenging Financial Times 01/30/2009

In the current economic climate, the financial challenges facing our nation’s healthcare system, and EMMC in particular, are intensifying. For some time we have heard from our community, business leaders, and consumers that healthcare costs are too high. We have been working hard to reduce operating costs at EMMC and bring them into a more competitive position. Some very good work has been done to control the increase in costs. Still, stemming the increase is not enough. We need to decrease our costs.

Savage Portrait Added to Board Governance Room 01/30/2009

The Eastern Maine Medical Center Board Governance Room has for years displayed portraits of current and former board chairs. However, until recently those portraits only dated back to Robert Haskell, who was board chair from 1957 to 1969. An effort is now underway to add as many portraits of former board chairs as possible.

(Bangor, ME) – Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is celebrating with its employees and the community today. In October, EMMC learned it was the only hospital in the United States awarded the 2008 Nicholas E. Davies Organizational Award of Excellence.

Plea to Drivers on State Street 12/04/2008

(Bangor, ME) – At Eastern Maine Medical Center the safety of patients and employees is our most basic value and priority. On December 3 at approximately 5:20 pm, an EMMC employee was struck by a vehicle while crossing State Street from EMMC to the Wing parking lot.

Young Cancer Patient Helps to Give Back to Community 11/25/2008

Six-year old Jonathon Mullis looks like any other boy his age, except for the bandana he wears hiding the effects of chemotherapy. A year ago the Mullis family from Dover-Foxcroft never would have dreamed their oldest child would be fighting brain cancer. Last January it seemed Jonathon had come down with a nasty case of the stomach flu – a flu that wouldn’t go away. His parents, Brian and Liz, took him for a series of tests over the next three months to figure out what was causing Jonathon to be so sick - the tests could find nothing wrong.

Avatar International recently recognized EMMC’s Physician Clinics with an award for Exceeding Patient Expectations in Service Quality. David Medvedeff, PharmD, MBA, CEO of Avatar said, “The hallmark of exceptional service to patients is to consistently meet or exceed their expectations – not always an easy task. I congratulate EMMC’s physician clinics for their continued and impressive efforts to put patients first.”

EMMC Chosen to Run University of Maine's On-Campus Student Health Center 11/25/2008

The University of Maine has selected EMMC's subsidiary Norumbega Medical Specialists LTD to operate the University of Maine's on-campus student health center. The University of Maine chose EMMC/Norumbega from three bidders at the end of a process the university initiated more than two years ago to improve student access to health care services.

EMMC to Host Programs to Help You Quit Smoking 11/05/2008

Are you a smoker and would like help quitting the habit? Do you have a loved one who needs help quitting? If so, join us on November 20 from 1-7pm at the Bangor Mall in JC Penny Court as we celebrate the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out.

Cancer Survivor Displays Artwork at CancerCare of Maine 11/03/2008

Over the years, physicians and nurses have discovered that art, music, dance, and poetry all have profound healing effects on patients. Because art brings to the human spirit a sense of freedom and joy, CancerCare of Maine regularly hosts art gallery showings. During the months of October and November 2008, CancerCare of Maine is proud to display oil paintings by Mark Nutt, a local artist and former CancerCare patient.

Deborah Carey Johnson, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Medical Center, is proud to announce that EMMC has earned the 2008 Organ Donation Medal of Honor from the US Department of Health and Human Services. This is the fourth year in a row that EMMC has received this prestigious award, given to hospitals and organ procurement organizations for excellence in helping grieving families make the decision to help others through organ donation. The award was presented on Friday, October 24, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.

EMMC Wins Davies Award, Receives this Year’s Top Honor in the United States for Healthcare Informati 10/10/2008

(Bangor, ME) – Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is celebrating more national recognition today, joining only 25 other hospitals in the United States since 1994 that have received top honors for healthcare information technology. EMMC is this year’s only winner of the 2008 Nicholas E. Davies Organizational Award of Excellence, sponsored by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

EMMC Receives State Approval for Inpatient Care Expansion 10/02/2008

(Bangor, ME) - Eastern Maine Medical Center was pleased to receive today’s notification that its inpatient care expansion Certificate of Need has been approved. The notice arrived today from the commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Brenda Harvey, letting the hospital know its project to increase and enhance inpatient capacity is cleared to move ahead. “This decision is a strong and welcome acknowledgment of our region’s need for more hospital capacity to care for the sickest patients of northern and eastern Maine,” says Deborah Carey Johnson, RN, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Medical Center.

EMMC to host Childhood Obesity Discussion 09/30/2008

Run for Hope Celebrating Heroes and Families 08/22/2008

Six year old Julia Freeman is cancer free and the Freeman family is celebrating! You can join them on September 7, 2008 as the Bangor region hosts the twenty-sixth annual Run for Hope, a tradition that has helped fund cancer prevention and clinical trials at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s CancerCare of Maine.

EMMC Primary Care Office Second in Nation to Receive Top Quality Certification 08/14/2008

EMMC’s Husson Internal Medicine has become the first primary care office in the northeast, only the second in the nation, to achieve certification as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee on Quality Assurance. The NCQA is the nationally recognized, quasi-governmental agency tasked with assessing quality in a variety of healthcare settings, setting best practice criteria and issuing certification.

EMMC One of Nation’s 100 Most Wired Hospitals 07/29/2008

(Bangor, ME) - Eastern Maine Medical Center has been named to the nation’s 100 Most Wired Hospitals list, based upon the results of the 2008 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released this month by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

Improving Patient Safety with High-Tech IV Pumps 07/29/2008

A new high tech program in the critical care areas at EMMC aims to improve patient safety by standardizing the way intravenous (IV) pumps are used to care for patients. New “smart pumps” were recently installed in the Main and Cardiac Operating Rooms, Coronary Care Unit, Cardiac Surgical Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit.

Teddy Bear Ailments Fixed at Clinic 07/29/2008

A team of EMMC employees provided exceptional care to a number of teddy bears and other assorted stuffed animals during the Teddy Bear Clinic on June 3, 2008. Various stations were set up around the hospital to show kindergarten students from Glenburn firsthand what happens in the hospital.

Medication Safety 07/29/2008

EMMC has joined together with Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) and St. Joseph Healthcare to promote medication safety in the greater Bangor region. The goal of this collaborative effort is to reduce medication errors and promote communication between consumers and their caregivers. We want to encourage consumers to take an active role in their medication safety by maintaining a record of their personal medical information.

Eastern Maine Medical Center is committed to offering our patients a full range of services, and this includes a new complementary therapy. The therapy is called Reiki - a Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation, pain relief, immune system support, improved blood flow, and comfort and relief from treatment side effects of some medical treatments. Certified Reiki practitioners, who are also registered EMMC volunteers, use light touch to redirect energy to specific parts of the body.

Bangor, ME – Husson Internal Medicine has just become the only primary care office in Maine to have its physicians receive accreditation under all three modules of quality improvement through the National Committee on Quality Assurance. The designation by NCQA, the nation’s leading authority on primary care quality assurance, amounts to “center of excellence” status for this primary care office.

EMMC Sells Robinson Property 03/17/2008

Bangor, ME – EMMC has signed a real estate sale agreement for the Robinson property, located at 424 State Street, Bangor. In December 2007, Deborah Carey Johnson, president and CEO Eastern Maine Medical Center, formed a State Street Neighborhood Workgroup to explore options for the Robinson property. The work group recommended that EMMC sell the property, and after receiving several bids on the property from interested parties, EMMC agreed to sell the home to a local resident. The buyer spent a great deal of time walking through the home with his family, and he intends to make this property his home.